Growing up Urlacher played a lot of baseball. First base was his position of choice. From a very young age, he started down in t-ball and played in all the leagues available to him as he grew up. Basketball was also another interest of his. Whether it was outdoors pickup, or organized basketball, he loved to play. Being as big and stout as he is, playing basketball lead to plenty of foul trouble if he was not careful. Basketball was great for staying in shape though, and it is something that helps him to this day. The lateral quickness, and reactions it takes to play basketball rival that of football, and help to keep him sharp in the offseason as it is much easier to play pickup basketball than it is to play pickup football. Baseball helped with his vision, and decision making ability. Quick hands, and straight line speed also were useful in this sport. These were the only three sports that he played for an organized team. In college, intramural volleyball, and dodgeball were a couple of his favorites. You can usually find Urlacher in a gym, or on a field. It has been this way his whole life.
201 words
201 words
